Located in the heart of the Bisenzio River Valley, in the Tuscany region, the enchanting city of Prato is one of the cities most famous Italians in the entire peninsula thanks to its long textile tradition and for the importance of industrial development, a Starting in the 19th century, with the beginning of mechanization.

In the city still today you can breathe a wonderful medieval atmosphere; in the historic center there is the great Duomo of the 12th Century, inside which you can admire numerous artistic masterpieces, such as those of the master Donatello, originally from nearby Florence and the enchanting frescoes that decorate the walls.

Another place not to be missed is the famous Palazzo Pretorio of the 13th century, imposing and rectangular, it is one of the major symbols of this city.
Finally, the majestic Emperor Castle, which was erected between 1237 and 1248 at the behest of Frederick II of Swabia, on the site of the ancient fortress of the Counts Alberti in Prato, it is the only Federician fortified structure present in central-northern Italy; inside it, over the course of the centuries, several were built dwellings, which were completely destroyed at the beginning of the 20th Century, thus making the castle assume the appearance today, which consists practically of the only walls external.

Prato, like almost all Tuscan cities, is a beautiful place full of riches and beautiful places to discover and visit. An excellent choice of visit for those who are interested in history is the one to the Roncioniana Library, built between 1751 and 1776, which preserves several medieval manuscripts.
 

Photo: Pulpito di Donatello and Michelozzo